Watch: Mithali Raj plays cricket in saree for Women’s Day campaign

Mithali Raj has been the face of Indian women’s cricket for a long time. Her success at the international level has inspired a generation of women cricketers in India. Having retired from the T20 format the Indian stalwart continues to lead the ODI team. On the occasion of International women’s day which will be celebrated on March 8, Raj featured in a promotional video sending a message to all women playing sports in India.

Mithali Raj, the inspiration

The video released by MasterCard India Twitter profile saw Mithali Raj playing a range of shots during a practice session wearing a saree. The video is intended to encourage young girls to come and express themselves by taking up the sport. The fact that Mithali Raj can be seen playing cricket in saree is a very inspiring sight for any young girl to witness.

Congratulations to the Women's Cricket Team of #India on reaching the T20 World Cup finals!

We are proud of you and wish you the very best for the finals! ?? #MithaliPlaysCricketInSaree @BCCIWomen @M_Raj03 pic.twitter.com/QFlJk6IdPu

— Mastercard India (@mastercardindia) March 5, 2020

The video also lists the achievements of the Indian legend. She is the first women’s cricketer to play 200 ODI and reach 6000 ODI runs. She was also the first Indian cricketer (man and woman) to reach 2000 runs in the T20I format. She was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003 and also received the Padma Shri in 2015. She has lead India to two World Cup finals in 2005 and 2019. At the age of 37, Mithali Raj continues to play cricket for India and win matches. Her story is very inspiring and has encouraged several young women cricketers for taking up the sport in the country. Recently acclaimed Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu was signed up to star in a biopic based upon the life of Mithali Raj.

Congratulatory message to India Women’s Team

The MasterCard India Twitter handle also congratulated the Indian women’s team as they qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final. The semi-final match between India and England at Sydney cricket ground was called off due to rain. India qualified as they were the table toppers of group A during the first round. India will now face Australia in the final of the tournament at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 8, or on the International women’s day.